Tributes

Coach G.A. Moore, legendary Pilot Point coach and friend passed away at his home in Pilot Point, Texas, September 5, 2025. He was born in Mustang, Texas, to Gary Autry and Era Gaynell Moore, Sr., November 23, 1938. He married his high school sweetheart Lois Ann Graves May 20, 1961, in Pilot Point. They have celebrated over 60 years of marriage together. He received his master’s in education while building a legacy for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters, Pam Moore of Wapanucka, OK, Carol and husband Brian Lynn of Pilot Point, and Tona and husband Dean Drees of Tioga and his son Gary Don. He is known as Big Dad to his 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Margie Moore Vasquez of Pilot Point; daughter in law, Valerie Moore of Pilot Point; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Gary Don; sister Peggy Slayton; and nephews, Craven Vasquez and Denis Hall. Known as Coach Moore, he has won more than 400 Texas high school football games and with 8 state championships. He retired as Texas’ winning high school coach (429-97-9). In high school at Pilot Point, G.A. played four sports, lettering 16 times. He played football on scholarship at North Texas State University and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He earned his master’s from NTSU in 1967. His legendary coaching career started in 1962 at Bryson High School and went 5-5 in his first season. He came back to Pilot Point the next year as head coach. After taking a few years off from coaching, he then returned in 1972 as head coach at Celina High School. There he built a 52-5-2 record over the first five years and then led the Celina Bobcats to a State Championship in 1974. Later in 1977, he returned home to Pilot Point where he led his alma mater the Pilot Point Bearcats, in back-to-back state championships in 1980 and 1981. He remained as head coach to the Pilot Point Bearcats until 1986 when he accepted a position as football coach at Sherman High School. Sherman went from 0-10 to a record of 6-4. At that year’s end, he was named the Dallas Area Coach of the Year. G.A. then returned to Celina, where he coached an additional 14 years. In his first season, the Celina Bobcats advanced to the state semifinals. This stretch went 163-22 and captured five state championships, including four consecutive. The Celina Bobcats also amassed a 57-game winning streak. In 2002, G.A. was called back to Pilot Point, serving as head coach for three more seasons. After a three-year sabbatical, he became the head coach in Aubrey where he officially retired. G.A. was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and was recognized November 7, 2024, for his contributions to the Pilot Point community by naming the football field at Massey Stadium, The G.A. Moore Jr. field. G.A. was recognized for his accomplishments in football, but he considered his spiritual commitment with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be his foremost source of pride when reflecting on his life. He subsequently served as the pastor of Mustang Baptist Church demonstrating dedicated leadership and service for almost 10 years. Our family sincerely appreciates your attendance and the generous expressions of support as we honor and remember the life of G.A. Moore, Jr.

Tributes

Coach Gary Autry "GA" Moore Jr

November 23, 1938 - September 5, 2025